Saline County Economic Development Corporation [Press Release]

SCEDC announces 2007 Capital Campaign

Saline County, AR (January 11, 2007) –

The Saline County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) announced today that it will officially begin a capital campaign on January 15, 2007. Bill Hope, Jr., chairman of the SCEDC said, “Before Saline County can effectively promote and market its assets, we must prepare our product. That is why in 2005 we launched a comprehensive strategic planning initiative for economic development. Organizational structure and long term funding is one of the five key components identified as a result of our work.”

The other four identifiable components include site and infrastructure development, existing business retention and expansion, and marketing and retiree relocation as it relates to Hot Springs Village.

The SCEDC is a 501(c) 6 designated, not-for-profit, corporation serving Saline County and is funded by investments from regional businesses and government entities. Its primary focus is to leverage public and private funds to strengthen existing employers and recruit businesses to the county. The SCEDC is led by a 21-member board consisting of business leaders who work closely with City, County and State government officials. Through grants and partnerships with other organizations, the SCEDC has leveraged its resources to achieve its successes including: airport site certification, prospect team training and response plans, a business retention strategy, new marketing materials and logo design, and representation on the Metro Little Rock Alliance Board of Directors.

“In excess of 60% of our workforce leaves Saline County on a daily basis for employment elsewhere,” said Eddie Black, vice-chairman of the SCEDC. “Our ultimate goal is to facilitate the creation of primary jobs, capital investment and add further vitality to our economy. In order to do this, we will be asking not only our board membership to financially participate in our capital campaign, but all businesses in Saline County.”

The SCEDC was responsible for the new Saline County Regional Airport being designated as a “Select Site” by Entergy’s Teamwork Arkansas. This prestigious designation for the airport is only one of fifteen sites in all of Arkansas. The certification process includes the completion of Phase 1 Environmental Study, Geotechnical Studies, clearance letters and infrastructure mapping. Some 50 point criteria must be satisfied before site certification is granted.

“Saline County must be pro-active as it relates to economic development. SCEDC has positioned itself to help facilitate those efforts. Working with both the Benton and Bryant Chambers of Commerce, local government and business leadership, I am confident of our success. However, let me add that success will only come when all parties agree that our efforts must be collective. I continue to witness that attitude evolve,” said Hope.

The campaign will be led by Senator Shane Broadway and Paul Doramus utilizing the 21-member SCEDC Board of Directors. The campaign is slated to begin January 15 and will conclude on February 2, 2007. Monies raised by the organization will be used to annually pay the Metro little Rock Alliance investment and for operating expenses incurred by SCEDC to further enhance economic development efforts within Saline County. “Economic development efforts within our county must be a public-private partnership. Local government has been responsive to this call for action. Now we are going to call on the private sector to step in and become partners as well,” said Broadway. “We are hopeful that that those who are approached for financial support will recognize the value of this ever so important work and be moved to invest in the future of Saline County.” For further information, contact SCEDC Chairman Bill Hope, Jr. at (501) 315-0786.